Source:- Greater Kashmir Newspaper The higher reaches of popular ski-resort Gulmarg in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district received the season’s first snowfall on Saturday while weather remained overcast in the plains bringing down the temperatures sharply. As per the Meteorological Department officials, a light spell of snowfall was received in the higher reaches of Gulmarg including Affarwat peak. “It started snowing in Affarwat peak in the afternoon but was only a light spell of snowfall,” said a MeT official adding that a blanket of snow covered the peaks. The MeT department has predicted a two-day wet spell till Sunday in the Valley due to an active Western Disturbance over Jammu and Kashmir, which causes changes in weather. The snowfall in the higher reaches and rainfall in some parts of plains brought down the temperatures. Summer capital Srinagar recorded 24.2 degree Celsius while Gulmarg recorded 13.6 degree Celsius maximum temperature on Saturday, several notches below the normal. As per MeT data, Gulmarg recorded 3.4 millimeters of rainfall on Saturday till 5:30 pm. The MeT forecast said wet weather was likely to continue till Sunday after which a significant improvement in weather was expected from Monday. Director MeT, Sonam Lotus said, “Light rainfall in the plains and light spell of snowfall in upper reaches was likely during next 24 to 36 hours.” However, Lotus said even as weather was likely to remain overcast, there is no forecast for any heavy rainfall. “We expect a drop in mercury by 2 to 3 degrees in the next two to three days. As the shift in season occurs, we expect gradual decrease in temperatures during first week of October,” Lotus said. However, the change in weather and early snowfall which usually brings cheer to tourism players has failed to lift the sentiment this year due to the pandemic. Despite the situation owing to Covid-19, some tour operators said they were still hopeful for tourist footfalls to pick up. “The tourism sector has taken a hit due to the pandemic but we are hopeful that due to restrictions in international travel, there would be some revival of domestic tourism. The early snowfall is a welcome sign but we hope there is some respite from the pandemic soon so that tourism influx gets a boost,” said Farooq Kuthoo, president, Travel Agents Association of Kashmir.

[In Photo: Mr Abhijit and Prajakta who recently visited Kashmir, on Sep 29-2020 for 4 Days with Tourist Taxi] Ans: Yes, the Tourism of Jammu and Kashmir has resumed. Like the rest of the world, COVID-19 pandemic lockdown resulted in the closure of tourism sector in Kashmir too. But now during the unlock phase, the tourism sector has started reopening as they follow SOPs introduced by Jammu and Kashmir administration. Jammu and Kashmir is all set to welcome the tourists once again after the lockdown, says an article published by the Kashmir Monitor. Tourism operations came to a halt when the nationwide lockdown was announced in March. In July, during unlock-2, the government had issued guidelines for tourists planning to visit Kashmir. However, the plan did not take off as anticipated, the online publication reported. It further reported that as the economy is gradually opening up and getting back to normalcy, the tourism department is reinforcing itself for the upcoming autumn and winter tourism seasons. It has issued guidelines making it necessary for the tourists to travel by air and have their RTPCR tests done prior to arriving at Srinagar airport. "The department is working hard to ensure good tourism season. Our online campaigning has begun and in the first phase the tourists have been asked to use air transport only," the Kashmir Monitor quoted an official of the tourism department as saying. Figures by the department of tourism revealed that 186 tourists including 11 foreigners visited the valley in July, whereas in August, 284 tourists including 33 foreigners visited Kashmir, said a report by the publication. The publication mentioned that travel agents have begun the process of selling packages for the upcoming autumn and winter seasons in Kashmir. "Tourism activities have been allowed by the government in Kashmir. So we are offering discounts. We have made a detailed list of SOPs,” Source: The Kashmir Monitor. [Local Newspaper in Kashmir]